Life
21 Valentine's Day Gifts For Women That Go Beyond Flowers & Chocolate
The most romantic gifts convey a message: I know you, I care about you, and I want to spend time with you. And although the traditional gifts — flowers, cards, and chocolates — are well-known to anyone who goes outside between the days of Jan. 1 and Feb. 15, it can still be difficult to find great Valentine’s Day gifts for women. For one couple, a simple card would be perfect; for another, an evening spent chatting and testing new cocktail recipes would be far more romantic. It all depends on the length of the relationship and personal preferences of the people involved.
But thanks to the magic of the Internet, there are tons of romantic gifts to fit every couple’s definition of romance. From geeky gamer cards to personalized photo books, these gifts run the gamut from silly to seductive. Whether you’ve only gone out a few times and want to mark budding affection, or you’re in a long-term relationship and need to reaffirm your dedication, something on this list is bound to suit your particular brand of love. After all, the personalization is half of the fun.
And for the record, I’d never turn away a heart-shaped box of chocolate. Those treats are damn delicious.
1For The Couple That's Been Dating Forever
Keep the romance going long after February. Try Something New ($15) provides fun and creative date ideas for you two to try. By shaking up your routine and going on some new adventures together, you can keep things fresh and fun.
Try Something New, $15, Amazon
2For The Tea Fiend
This Dream and Sugar tea set ($65) from ModCloth would be an adorable addition to any tea drinker's collection. With heart-shaped cups and saucers, it's the perfect pick for anyone who appreciates sweet and quirky gifts.
Tea Set in Petal, $65, ModCloth
3For The Music Fan
Take your relationship to the next level by sharing your iTunes playlists. This heart headphone splitter ($7) will let you share music, movies, and TV shows with one another easily.
4For The Chocolate Devotee
Think outside the heart-shaped box with this tin of Chuao gourmet drinking chocolate ($23). The dark chocolate mix, infused with cinnamon and chile, is a warm and decadent treat for any chocolate fan.
5For The Beauty Guru
This Fresh Sugar Rosé extreme lip treatment ($23) has a sweet rosy tint, scent, and flavor, and there are adorable roses on the case. It's a romantic little gift for your favorite beauty junkie.
6For The Poetic Soul
Leslie Pockell's collection of The 100 Best Love Poems of All Time ($11) includes everything from Shakespeare to Gertrude Stein. You're certain to earn a few bonus points for reading a few lines of verse to your beloved.
7For The Master Chef
The Mastrad chocolate fondue set ($34) could help you have the most memorable Valentine's Day dessert ever. After all, chocolate and strawberries are a classic romantic dish for a reason.
8For The Wine Aficionado
A nice bottle of red is a great way to cap off the holiday. This twist decanter ($32) turns any bottle of wine into a striking (and delicious) centerpiece.
Twist Decanter, $32, Amazon
9For The New Relationship
The pressures of Valentine's Day can lead to some awkward moments with someone you're only been seeing a few weeks. Going all-out would be weird, but so would ignoring the holiday altogether. A silly card is a good way to mark the occasion without going overboard, such as this Tinder Valentine's card ($4) from DarwinDesignCards.
Tinder Card, $4, Etsy
10For The Instagram All-Star
Social Print Studio offers a personalized mini photo book (2 for $15) that features your favorite snaps. Each book holds 50 photos, so you and your sweetie can have matching sets of couple pics.
Mini Photo Book, 2 for $15, Social Print Studios
11For The Art Appreciator
A print of this Dra Rose watercolor ($25) by Etsy seller WaterWords would complement almost any decor. And this pretty rose will stay in bloom for years to come.
Rose Watercolor, $25, Etsy
12For The Woman You've Been Dating A Year
This Key to Love ($45) bottle will make a lovely keepsake for your longtime girlfriend. And you can add a personalized message that's as sincere or funny as you like.
13For The Gourmand
Taste Trunk's gourmet trunk ($49) is perfect for anyone who adores great food. It includes white truffle extra virgin olive oil, peach & lavender preserve, and almond caramels, along with a whole host of other delicious treats.
Gourmet Trunk, $49, Taste Trunk
14For The Long-Distance Relationship
Chances are, a lot of your interaction takes place via the Internet. Why not go old-school — really old-school — with a message from Telegramstop ($8)? This totally unique take on the love letter will become a cherished memento.
15For The Gamer
You can celebrate a mutual love of gaming with this adorably geeky Pokemon Valentine's card ($5) from Etsy seller playerNo2. Throw in a Steam card and you're all set.
Pokemon Card, $5, Etsy
16For The Sweetly Sentimental
This pretty silver locket ($24) from Etsy seller LimonBijoux holds four pictures or tiny love notes. With the etched flower on the front, this locket would be a pretty addition to any jewelry box.
Silver Locket, $24, Etsy
17For The Eco Friendly
This beautiful real rose necklace ($35) from Etsy seller TheHangingGarden takes going green to the next level. A real rosebud is suspended in jewelry grade resin and set in in ornamental filigree setting.
Real Rose Necklace, $35, Etsy
18For The Home Mixologist
Shake up some cocktails for two with this home bar starter kit ($30). It comes with the basic tools to make thousands of cocktails, as well as a copy of The Bartender' Black Book. You can make drinks as simple — or super-fancy — as you like.
Home Starter's Bar Kit, $33, Amazon
19For The Couple Who Shares Everything
A custom couple portrait ($50) from MartinelaToons is a one-of-a-kind gift. You can even include pets and props to round out the story of your relationship.
20For The Classic Romantic
This heart hair slide ($38) from Etsy seller Kapelika is both gorgeous and functional. The sturdy clip can hold an updo all day, and the sweet design is unique and fun.
Heart Clip, $38, Etsy
21For The Bath Fanatic
Lush's sex bath bomb ($7) turns any tub into a romantic soak. It includes the scent of jasmine and ylang ylang, as well as many body-softening ingredients. It's the perfect way to unwind on Valentine's evening.
Sex Bath Bomb, $7, Lush
